TechPowerUP NEWS

[NextPowerUP]

Hi everyone, I'm Light Zhong, co-founder and director at Hypergraph. With Arknights: Endfield launching on January 22 on PC and PS5, today we're excited to share more gameplay details on the game. Over the past few years, our team has been working to create a new kind of experience set in the Arknights universe, one that blends real-time squad combat, exploration, and large-scale industrial systems into a single, interconnected adventure, where every decision you make helps shape humanity's next frontier.

Welcome to Talos-II
Talos-II is a world of striking beauty and constant danger. More than 150 years ago, pioneers endured war and catastrophe to carve out the first "civilized zones." But beyond those borders lies a vast, untamed wilderness, unexplored, unclaimed, and filled with lingering threats from the past and new dangers yet to emerge. In Endfield, you take on the role of the Endministrator, tasked with leading Operators to protect, expand, and redefine the boundary of civilization. Exploration and development go hand in hand here. As Oripathy engines roar to life across the wasteland, automated production lines and industrial facilities rise alongside your growing foothold on the planet.
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[NextPowerUP]

Yesterday morning, an allegedly new Nintendo Switch 2 model was highlighted by a Bluesky social media account. Members of the gaming community and media outlets quickly picked up on sky :3's discovery of an unused "OSM" identifier within Nintendo's Account Portal. Apparently, a simple/generic Switch 2 illustration appears when a visitor requests the "OSM" model. The current Nintendo Switch 2 SKU is still identified as "BEE," since launching last June—the true meaning behind this acronym remains a mystery. One commenter's Wayback Machine-based investigation indicates that the "OSM" entry first popped up around mid-September, last year. The use of a three letter system is a long-running tradition for the Japanese gaming giant—lately, web detectives have referred back to first-gen Switch designations: HAC ("Handheld And Console") for the OG launch variant, HDH for Lite, and HEG for the premium OLED model.

Pre-release leaks suggested an "Ounce" codename for the second-gen Nintendo hybrid console; resulting in theories that OSM stands for "Ounce Small Model". This elaborate breadcrumb trail could lead to a potential Switch 2 Lite model. After all, the original Lite design turned up in September 2019; roughly a year and a half after the standard version's launch. Famously, Nintendo's previous portable mode-only spin-off featured a smaller screen, a more compact profile, an integrated control layout (no detachable Joy-Cons), and a lower price point. Naturally, present day discussions have also turned to a possible Switch 2 OLED variant—a few participants reckon that Nintendo's selection of an 8 nm NVIDIA "T239" SoC is impractical for a theoretical "Lite" off-shoot, footprint-wise—an eventual die shrink would be required for a proper slimline design.

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[NextPowerUP]

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has released the official overview trailer highlighting the exciting new game play systems coming in CODE VEIN II. The trailer offers a deep dive on character creation tools, Revenant combat, and an expanded look into the different environments that players will discover on the frontier. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., CODE VEIN II sends players on an epic narrative-driven journey where they wield time as a weapon, explore past and present versions of a collapsing world, and join forces with companions through the game's dynamic Partner System. The title will launch on January 30, 2026, and is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. An upcoming CODE VEIN II Character Creator demo is available for free on January 23, letting eager Revenants use the game's deep customization to create characters they can transfer into the final game after purchase.

The overview trailer spotlights key features that players will utilize to survive the post-apocalyptic world in CODE VEIN II. Combat in the game has been expanded, introducing new depth and strategy through enhanced Drain Attacks, Formae, and the Partner System. Drain Attacks are offensive maneuvers used to extract Ichor, an essential resource that fuels the player's most powerful abilities. Using this Ichor allows players to unleash powerful attacks called Formae, which includes Weapon Formae that modify attacks and grant buffs, Bequeathed Formae that summon unique weapons for devastating strikes, and Defensive Formae that offer critical blocks, counters, and evasive maneuvers. Jails are specialized artifacts worn on the player's back and further shape combat by altering stats, modifying Drain Attacks, and providing tactical advantages based on the encounter.
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[NextPowerUP]

We're at a critical moment in education. New research and emerging technologies, such as Generative AI, have the potential to reshape how we teach and learn. With decades of leadership in education technology, Dell Technologies is supporting schools in this transformation - equipping students and educators with tools and programs designed for the AI era, ensuring they are prepared for the opportunities ahead.

This commitment is reflected in Dell's expanded education portfolio - including new Dell Pro Education and Dell Chromebook devices - alongside programs that help prepare students for the future. These new PCs are purpose-built for modern learning environments: durable enough to withstand the school day, serviceable enough to maximize institutional investment and powerful enough to support the curricula.
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[NextPowerUP]

ASUS today announced the ASUS Chromebook CZ series of laptops tailored for K12 students, which offer a portable and durable design for enduring value and empower engaged learning—anywhere. The ASUS Chromebook CZ Series, powered by MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, features a 180° lay-flat or 360°-flippable design and an 11.6-inch (CZ1104C/F) or 12.2-inch (CZ1204C/F) 16:10 WUXGA display or touchscreen. With TÜV-certified eye-care technology, the series not only enhances the visual experience but also prioritizes eye protection. Supporting up to Wi-Fi 7 and optional 5G connectivity, the series ensures smooth and uninterrupted performance both inside and outside the classroom. ASUS Chromebook CZ series laptops are built for easy IT maintenance, with a modular design that minimizes downtime. The series boasts an extended battery life for uninterrupted use throughout an entire day of classes, empowering students to extend their learning beyond traditional limits.
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[NextPowerUP]

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Strix GS-BE7200, a next-generation dual-band Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) gaming router designed for players who demand fast, stable and intelligently optimized connectivity. Leveraging Multi-Link Operation (MLO), ultrawide 160 MHz channels, and 4K-QAM modulation, the GS-BE7200 maximizes efficiency and overall wireless capacity, delivering wireless throughput of up to 7200 Mbps to enable ultra-smooth online gameplay, low-latency streaming, and high-speed data transfers - even in congested environments.

The GS-BE7200 features six internal antennas, including an enhanced 5-antenna 5 GHz (5T5R) system that improves long-range throughput by up to 15%, compared to traditional 4T4R designs. This architecture strengthens stability across multiroom setups and ensures that competitive gamers enjoy fast, uninterrupted connections from anywhere in the home.
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[NextPowerUP]

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced the appointment of KC McClure to its board of directors. McClure most recently served as a senior advisor to Accenture and was previously Chief Financial Officer of Accenture from 2019 to 2024. Throughout her more than 37-year tenure at Accenture, McClure held multiple finance and accounting leadership roles, including overseeing financial operations and investor relations.

"We are delighted to welcome KC to AMD's Board of Directors," said Dr. Lisa Su, AMD chair and CEO. "KC is a proven finance leader whose operating expertise and global perspective will be an asset as we execute our strategy and extend AMD's leadership in high-performance and AI computing." McClure holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business administration from Pennsylvania State University's Smeal College of Business. She currently serves on the Smeal College of Business Board of Visitors and on the board of Goldman Sachs.

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[NextPowerUP]

Acer today unveiled the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and Acer Chromebook 311, its first two education Chromebooks powered by the newly available MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor. The new Acer Chromebooks have the features and performance technology students need to embrace a tech-forward curriculum and develop crucial 21st-century skills. Packaged in durable designs that can handle challenging school environments, the two new Acer Chromebooks help extend school districts' budgets and deliver a reduced total cost of ownership.

"Acer Chromebooks are acclaimed as a foundational technology to prepare K-12 students for a lifetime of learning," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "Their durability, flexibility and ease-of-use help students collaborate and embrace new concepts with enthusiasm. Plus, they help teachers more effectively implement personalized learning strategies for their students, while IT departments can effectively manage Chromebooks to ensure sustainable operation and uninterrupted student learning."
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[NextPowerUP]

The ICY DOCK ToughArmor EX MB491V5K-B is a robust U.2/U.3 NVMe SSD mobile rack enclosure designed specifically for mission-critical military, industrial, and in-vehicle computing systems. Constructed with heavy-duty full-metal housing, the MB491V5K-B is inherently compliant with flammability requirements and offers superior durability under extreme conditions. Its removable drive tray with metal barrel keylock and thumbscrew secures the SSD in place, preventing unauthorized access and protecting the drive against shock, vibration, and accidental ejection during transit.

With support for PCIe 5.0 and up to 128 Gbps transfer speeds, the MB491V5K-B delivers the bandwidth needed for real-time analytics, aerospace data logging, AI model training, and other high-performance applications.
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[NextPowerUP]

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of edge computing solutions, industrial motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, today introduces the EdgeComp MS-1335U, a compact fanless embedded PC designed to bring smart, reliable performance closer to the edge. Built to meet the growing demands of smart cities, intelligent retail, and industrial automation, the EdgeComp MS-1335U delivers flexible edge computing capabilities in a space-efficient, energy-conscious, and completely silent platform. Powered by Intel Raptor Lake Core i5-1335U 10-core processors, the system provides enhanced computing performance while maintaining low power consumption, making it well-suited for long-term, continuous operation in both commercial and public infrastructure environments.

Designed with versatility in mind, the EdgeComp MS-1335U supports up to four simultaneous display outputs, enabling advanced multi-screen applications across a wide range of edge scenarios. With HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, the system is ideal for smart factories, digital signage deployments, traffic control centers, and healthcare terminals. In addition, dual USB Type-C display support allows flexible integration into AI vision systems, portable edge gateways, robotics platforms, and mobile inspection units, expanding deployment possibilities where mobility and adaptability are required.
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[NextPowerUP]

33 Immortals, the 33-player co-op action-roguelike has spent nearly a year in early access on Epic Games, is officially coming to Steam in 2026. This is according to a new unlisted trailer published on the developer's official YouTube channel, which quotes "summer 2026" as the official launch date. Until now, 33 Immortals has only been available from the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, and the Epic Games Store. While the trailer makes no mention of it, it seems likely that this will also be the game's 1.0 launch, since it has been in early access since March 2025, and it has received several updates during that time.

In a previous blog post, the developer, Thunder Lotus, all but confirmed that the game's Steam launch will coincide with the 1.0 launch of the game, also citing Summer 2026 as the launch date. That same blog post also revealed that the 1.0 update will also feature a host of new content, including a new weapon, a secret dungeon, the addition of random weapon bonuses, achievements, and new cosmetics. This is aside from two other updates planned before the 1.0 release, which will also add everything from new weapons, enemies, and bosses to community-requested features, like dynamic difficulty, and a whole new world.
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[NextPowerUP]

Splitgate: Arena Reloaded is meant to be the culmination of 1047 Games's efforts in both the original Splitgate and Splitgate 2, having launched shortly after the latter was received exceedingly poorly and taken offline. Since that relaunch, Splitgate: Arena Reloaded has seen a number of updates mostly centered around adding content, expanding the player base, and retaining existing players. The latest in the game's update cycle, Update 2.2, continues on this trend, reintroducing the battle royale mode that was axed from Splitgate 2, although with significant changes, community maps, two new arena maps, and rewarding players with a new weapons mastery skin.

According to the update notes, the new Arena Royale battle royale mode aims to keep the intense, fast-paced gameplay Splitgate is known for while also expanding the map and scale of the matches. Arena Royale is a 24-player game mode made up of six teams of four players, and it is designed to have the same pace as a regular Splitgate arena match. 1047 Games says the core philosophy with the Arena Royale rework is "Less looting. More shooting," and that is emphasized by the design of the game mode. Each Arena Royale game mode will take place in one of four biomes—drought, glacier, fracture, and the newly introduced urban Outskirts biome—and players will start in a new warm-up space instead of in a drop-ship. Players then vote on which map the round will take place in, and they are then dropped into the map. Like most other games in the genre, the Arena Royale game mode allows for players to be revived as long as there is one player remaining in their squad, but as the match progresses, the playable area shrinks, and once players are in the final circle, revivals are disabled in an effort to keep gameplay fast-paced and snappy. Arena Royale will feature on-the-fly weapons upgrades in the inventory, which players can access at any time during the match to spend cash they earn during the match.
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[NextPowerUP]

Pulsar Gaming Gears, a leading developer of high-performance esports peripherals, has announced a landmark collaboration with NEXON Games to launch a special product line based on the highly popular tactical role-playing game, Blue Archive. This exclusive collection introduces three customized Pulsar X2 CrazyLight gaming mice, each designed around a beloved student from the academic city of Kivotos: Shiroko, Hoshino, and Nonomi. The products are designed to bridge the immersive world of the game with the speed and precision demanded by competitive gaming, allowing the player, or "Sensei," to bring their favorite students to the desktop.
"We collaborated with Pulsar on this collection to bring Blue Archive closer to the daily lives of Senseis. Featuring a limited-edition design inspired by the Abydos concept, we expect the X2 CrazyLight mouse to provide great satisfaction to Senseis with its unique aesthetic and high gaming performance," said YongHa Kim, EPD of IO Division, NEXON Games.

"One of our goals at Pulsar is to blend high-performance gaming technology with compelling culture. Blue Archive's stunning art, unique characters, and immense community passion is perfect as an IP collaboration with our X2 CrazyLight. We've poured the unique aesthetic of the game into the designs, and even included a custom light-up dongle to give fans a fun little extra piece of Kivotos for their setup," said Stuart Chan, CMO of Pulsar Gaming Gears. The line features medium-sized X2 CrazyLight mice, renowned for their ultra-lightweight performance, and includes a special, new light-up USB dongle that showcases the respective character's design.
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[NextPowerUP]

After a lengthy delay involving a trip back to the drawing board, Marathon is finally headed for release on March 5. Shortly after the release date was announced, Marathon's minimum and recommended PC hardware specifications appeared on the game's Steam store page, revealing an impressively low barrier to entry. There's no word about whether gamers will need to enable TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot for anti-cheat compatibility reasons, but the minimum specifications call for low-end GPUs dating back to nearly a decade ago.

At minimum, those looking to play Marathon will need an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB, AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, or Intel Arc A580, the latter of which requires ReBar to be enabled. This needs to be paired with 8 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600. Meanwhile, the recommended specifications call for an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB, or an Intel Arc A770 16 GB, again with the latter calling for ReBar. The CPU required to meet the recommended specifications is an Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500 paired with 16 GB of RAM. There are no target frame rates or resolutions mentioned in the minimum and recommended specifications tables, but it's generally assumed that minimum specifications should get you somewhere around 60 FPS at low quality settings. This also means that gamers on handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and others with similarly powerful iGPUs should be able to get playable frame rates at slightly lower resolutions.

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[NextPowerUP]

Late last week, semiconductor industry trackers were astonished by Intel's fresh recruitment of Eric Demers. Until very recently, the seasoned GPU architect had spent almost fourteen years at Qualcomm—ending this spell as senior vice president of engineering. On Friday (January 16), Devers announced this major change—a short story mentioned multiple meetings (in 2025) with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. He confirmed, in a private LinkedIn message (sent to CRN), that he would be starting work at Intel within the next week. Complete details of his new job description—chez Team Blue—were not shared with the American computer publication. Instead, a small hint was dropped—according to the CRN article, Devers expects to "lead GPU engineering with a focus on AI." Looking back in the TechPowerUp news archive, one historical section of Dever's career trajectory was brought forth. In early 2012, he moved on from his Corporate VP & CTO role at AMD's graphics division.

At the time, official statements did not mention his intention to join Qualcomm's Adreno GPU department. Prior to his tenure at ATI/AMD, Devers spent time at Silicon Graphics (SGI), Matrox, and then joined a team of former SGI-ers at start-up ArtX. ATI Technologies acquired ArtX almost three years after the latter's founding date. One of Devers' final projects at Qualcomm seems to be the Windows PC-focused Snapdragon X2 Series. Industry experts anticipate the ex-"other Red Team" engineering executive becoming a key figure at Intel's fairly new "AI Group"—this independent entity could be chasing major enterprise rivals; most notably NVIDIA. Team Blue introduced its "Crescent Island" AI data center accelerator a few months ago. A next-gen successor—dubbed "Jaguar Shores"—is reportedly expected to be "design complete" by the middle of 2026.

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